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MG Pick City: Chicago—A Tale of Two Cities

on November 15 | in Travel & Leisure | by | with No Comments

 

Speakeasy

When you can’t decide on whether to have a few cocktails at a bar with a club vibe or enjoy a glass a wine with live music in a cozy lounge, check out Brando’s Speakeasy, where they cater to both.

 

Brando's

 

Located in Chicago’s Loop at 343 S. Dearborn in the landmark Fisher building built by architect Daniel J. Burnham, there’s no password necessary to get into this joint.

 

The city. Upon entering, the dark reddish glow engulfs you with its warmth and beckons you to kick back in the sumptuous purple leather booths. Rock classics and old school standards fill the air and, with your drink in hand, you can now relax after a busy day at the office with coworkers or just get together with friends. Famous for karaoke, Brando’s patrons sing away their mid-week blues as they belt out their favorite tunes. But once the weekend starts, the local bar is transformed to a high-energy club that pumps out the hottest house and Euro tracks. The bodies on the crowded dance floor sway as the bass in the music and their pulse beat as one.

The other city.  Separated by a door along the back wall, prepare yourself to enter an era where crooners and good times ruled the day. With the warm somber glow of two chandeliers filling the atmosphere and soul soothing music in the air, charm and elegance are in control, escorting you back to the glamour of the speakeasies. Elements of wood, leather, and wrought iron lend themselves to create an intimate and inviting setting where you can sit back with that someone special or a group of friends and enjoy a few drinks while listening to live music from the 30s, 40s, and 50s.

The speakeasy era gave birth to the cocktail, or mixed drink. As men were the primary patrons of saloons, when the prohibition period came, many women were enthralled by the allure of the speakeasy. To cater to their new clientele who did not drink straight whiskey, soda was added, thus creating a new platform with a variety of different drinks. Keeping in the speakeasy tradition, Brando’s offers classic drinks such as the Box Car and the Old Fashioned. They are also known for their martini list. A specialty martini is offered every day for five dollars. Unwind and enjoy Brando’s original martinis such as the Pomegranate Cosmo, Italian Ice, Raspberry Cheesecake, or the proprietor’s namesake, the Dinotini, espresso, vanilla vodka, dark Godiva, and Baileys in a glass rimmed with chocolate.

 

Brando's Chicago

 

A popular attraction at Brando’s is karaoke. Wednesday through Saturday starting at 7:00pm, we all have the opportunity to become a rock star (or drunken lounge singer). If you’re not much of a singer and you thought karaoke night started on Monday, don’t worry, Brando’s won’t let you disappoint your friends because they offer on-demand karaoke so the fun doesn’t have to stop. If it’s food you need, Brando’s has got you covered with its Italian style offering such as pizzas, sandwiches, and salads.

 

Each location has a separate front entrance with outdoor seating, but meet in the middle where patrons can go from one side to the other. Brando’s two very diverse settings are great for getting away after a long day, getting together with friends, or planning a special event for work, family, or friends. Come on down and enjoy the fun at this Chicago speakeasy. Even Elliot Ness couldn’t stop the good times happening at Brando’s.

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